It was a case of the early morning blues as Jessica Willey attempted to get a selfie with her four-year-old daughter Bobbie before the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the nations fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western heritage.( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

It was a case of the early morning blues as Jessica Willey attempted to get a selfie with her four-year-old daughter Bobbie before the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, Feb.

Eriyana Tunley (l-r), Ayniya Mills, Saniya Milvex and Micheal Samuel took in the sights of the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the nations fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western heritage.( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Eriyana Tunley (l-r), Ayniya Mills, Saniya Milvex and Micheal Samuel took in the sights of the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the

Fans lined the streets during the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the nations fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western heritage.( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Fans lined the streets during the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the nations fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling

Parade participants wave as they ride along Walker during the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. (Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)

Parade participants wave as they ride along Walker during the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. (Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)

Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle

Image 45 of 79

Image 46 of 79

Cowboy hats lined the streets as onlookers watched the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Race Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the nations fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western heritage.( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle )

Cowboy hats lined the streets as onlookers watched the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Race Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the nations fourth largest city is transformed

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of the Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. (Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)

Runners take off from the start of the Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. (Brett

Runners take off from the start of the Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. (Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle)

Runners take off from the start of the Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. (Brett

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

A runner grabs a flag as he starts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

A runner grabs a flag as he starts the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners take off from the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Richard "Flame" Gruen cheers on the wheelchair racers as they start the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Richard "Flame" Gruen cheers on the wheelchair racers as they start the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips

Richard "Flame" Gruen cheers on the wheelchair racers as they start the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Richard "Flame" Gruen cheers on the wheelchair racers as they start the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips

Runners line up for the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo? Educational Fund. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Runners line up for the start of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Rodeo Run on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Proceeds from Rodeo Run presented by ConocoPhillips benefit the Houston Livestock Show and

Horses at times appeared to outnumber people at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo parade through downtown on Saturday morning. Thousands of people crowded the streets as elaborate floats and countless men and women on horseback celebrated Western heritage by traveling the one-mile route beginning at City Hall.

The parade has been part of Houston every February since 1938, the rodeo's website boasts, and spectators from all over southeast Texas dusted off their cowboy hats and boots to marvel at the event.

"We come out all the time for the parade," spectator Armistead Burks said of him and his wife Catherine. "My grandmother took me to parades when I was small, and I've loved parades ever since."

The crowd roared as Mayor Sylvester Turner made his way through the route on his horse "Lil Pappas" as one of the starting attractions of the parade. Turner rode alongside the Houston Police Department's mounted unit and Chief Art Acevedo.

Other Houston icons showed off their rodeo pride at the event, such as University of Houston president Renu Khator, who hitched a ride on the university's alumni association float.

The horses and wagons of trail riders, roping clubs and equestrian groups turned the metropolitan area into a scene from classic Western movie. Children stared in awe when some riders made their horses "dance" by trotting the animals' legs up high.

Wagon groups and trail riders were a large part of the parade, and spectators from all over Texas came to watch their favorite groups. Prairie View native Laverne Allen was decked out in a red, sparkly Western-style jacket and matching cowboy hat to support the trail riders from her hometown.

"I like all of them, but that's my favorite one," Allen said of the Prairie View outfit. "It's a big thing there."

People riding the decorative floats made by a variety of Houston area groups gave smiles, waves and enthusiastic "yeehaws" to the crowd. Some floats even won awards from the rodeo such as "Most Beautiful," which was given to Goya Foods.

Marching bands from high schools and universities across the Houston area, flanked by dance teams and color guards, filled the parade with music as observers danced to the beat. Student military organizations like the Texas A&M University Parsons Mounted Cavalry and high school Junior ROTC groups also marched, or galloped, in the parade.

"I love the atmosphere and unity of everything," said Catherine Burks, also of Prairie View. "I love the Marine Corps too, since my brother was in the service."

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Fans lined the streets during the 2018 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, in Houston. Since 1938, the nation’s fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western heritage.

Media: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle

The marching bands weren't the only source of music in the parade, as some floats had live music performances from Houston artists. Local rock group Paperwolf was the winner of the 2017 "Rodeo Rockstar" junior division music competition, and delivered a mini-concert from the competition's float.

Before the parade, the 31st annual Rodeo Run was held to raise money for the rodeo's Educational Fund, which gives scholarships to students across Texas. Runners and walkers could join the wheelchair race, 5K or 10K.

The rodeo has presented nearly 17,000 scholarships since 1957, according to its website. Some of the scholarship recipients were a part of a special float Saturday in their honor.